Success Music Studio

What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music - Don Quixote - Stage Fear, How to Deal with Performance Anxiety

What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music? Part 2

Facebook
Twitter

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Table of Contents

What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music?

Do you want to move your audience to tears as you perform? Do you need suggestions for how to interpret your songs? Interpretation is when you put your personal stamp on a song. Today’s interpretation tip can help you craft powerful performances. Read more to answer the question, “What do people mean by the term interpretation in classical music?”

This post uses music terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.

singing shape note solfege minor - classical singer -What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music

Further Defining the Term Interpretation in Classical Music?

“What do people mean by the term interpretation in classical music?” According to the New Harvard Dictionary of Music:

 …interpretation is often thought of as the individual performer’s unique and personal contribution to the [performance] of a work. (399)

So, how do you learn how to interpret music?

  • The first post in the series showed how to get effective performances using mental imagery.
  • Likewise, today’s interpretation post will show you how to use your imagination to become the character.

Barry Green quotes a soprano who describes her strategy for performing:

I decided to [focus] on the character of the old lady. We turned out the lights, and I sat slumped in a chair for a few minutes. Then I began just speaking the text of the song as though I was an old woman.

I found myself close to tears. When the lights came on again, I felt peaceful and assured. I knew I had become the old woman, and my sense of myself as a singer had disappeared… The music flowed through me… (94-95)

Your imagination is powerful. If you want to create a memorable performance, you need to link into your imagination.

Singing Rhythm Syllables in 12-8 Time - Heart and Flower on Sheet Music - What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music

How Do You Interpret a Piece of Music?

“What do people mean by the term interpretation in music?” The Inner Game of Music suggests that you can also imagine yourself as being your favorite musician.

  • You have a host of intuitive information locked in your head about a vast array of playing styles.
  • This exercise will help you access it.

If you play guitar, imagine yourself as Eric Clapton playing a song.

  1. How did your playing style change?
  2. Next, imagine yourself as Kirk Hammett.
  3. Did your playing style change again?

Just as changing the style of cloths you wear can transform how you feel about yourself. So, this exercise can transform how you express yourself on your instrument.

In future interpretation posts I’ll give you tips on:

  • Characterizing a piece of music
  • Articulations
  • Dynamics

Have fun singing and playing!

Related Posts

© 2023 Geoffrey Keith

Newsletter Signup

Join me for in-person or online lessons today!

Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page

Back to the Successful Music Student Blogs page

Geoffrey Keith Owner of Success Music Studio - Who's Who - About

Who’s Who Biographies Adds Geoffrey Keith

I’m honored to announce that I’ve been included in the Marquis Who's Who biographies. While the biography briefly covers all of my music career, my work with LD and special needs students caught their attention. This led them to decide to include me in their listing. Read more. Estimated reading time 1 minutes.

Read More
music of words in songwriting, (i.e., the music of the words) impacts your songwriting, music of words into your songwriting - writing lyrics - jumpstart the creativity in your songwriting - Pronoun Definition & Meaning: Unlock Your Knowledge [Video]

The Music of Words in Your Songwriting

Do you want to add more zing to your lyrics? Want words that pop off the page? It's not just what you say, but also how you say it. Read more to understand how to capture the music of words in your songwriting. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

Read More
Is Just Intonation Impractical - Tuning the Grand Piano - What’s the Difference Between Just Intonation and Equal Temperament

Is Just Intonation Impractical?

Are you thinking about composing in just intonation? Do you worry that just intonation is impractical? As with any tuning system, just intonation has its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll look at the pros and cons, and when you’ve gone through the post, you can make up your own mind. Read more to help you answer the question, “Is just intonation impractical?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

Read More
The 7 Best Iconic Riffs That Make People Want to Play Guitar - Guitarist with Les Paul 2

The 7 Best Iconic Riffs That Make People Want to Play Guitar

Do you want to play guitar? According to “The Talent Code,” an important aspect of learning an instrument is called “ignition.” What’s ignition? It’s a crystalizing experience where a person hears a song or sees someone playing and says, “I want to do that!” There are many great riffs out there, but I have selected seven of the best, most iconic, riffs spanning five decades. I hope one of them inspires you to play guitar. To learn more, keep reading “The 7 Best Iconic Riffs That Make People Want to Play Guitar.” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

Read More